A Guide to the Green Spaces of the City of Hamilton and Area

Sharp-lobed Hepatica, by Graham Wright Nature In Hamilton: Our Home, Our Future

amiltonians and our neighbours by both human and natural history. H The City of Hamilton has the have enjoyed the rich diversity of signature of glaciers written on its plants, animals and natural areas landscape, from the Lake Iroquois’ around the city for generations. gravel bars at Burlington Heights Situated in and around the and the Hamilton Beach Strip, to , the City of the high drumlin fields amid the Hamilton has much to offer its wetlands of Flamborough. The Red residents and visitors. We live at Hill Valley in east Hamilton contains the head of Lake , the last traces of the first human link in the chain of . inhabitants from over 11,000 years This unique spot supports many ago. In the days before European different types of habitats settlement, the Timber Rattlesnake, including fens, swamps, bogs, Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle, Carolinian forests, tallgrass Black Bear, Elk, Pine Marten, and prairies, meadows, thickets, hundreds of thousands of creek valleys, and the rocky profile Passenger Pigeons shared this of the Niagara Escarpment. land. These habitats and the diversity of There have been many changes in this landscape have been shaped our landscape over the past centuries. Urban and industrial development in the City of Hamilton has removed and fragmented the wetlands, forests, and prairies which were present before settlement. Other pressures on natural ecosystems include invasive species, climate change, and pollution. Over time we have Spencer Gorge, Chris Hamilton recognized the importance of natural areas and biodiversity to are busy breeding and hunting in our quality of life. wetlands. Asters, goldenrods, and prairie wildflowers are ablaze with However, many agencies, dazzling violets, scarlet, ginger, and organizations and landowners yellows in the fall. Equip yourself have been working diligently to with snow boots, a toque and parka restore, protect and promote the for the annual Christmas Bird rehabilitation and restoration of our Count – a tradition that has been natural environment. The next time observed for over 100 years! you visit , , the Dundas Valley, or In producing this field booklet, the Red Hill Valley, take a close look intent is to share the natural beauty at the vegetation and you may and uniqueness of Hamilton with see newly planted seedlings or fellow citizens and people from vegetated buffers alongside the around the world. We hope you creeks. Don’t forget to read the enjoy this publication and visit interpretive signage that illustrates many of the sites described here. what projects that have been Having shared with you the wonder completed in that area. of Hamilton’s natural areas, we invite you to join us in our efforts to When choosing a natural area to protect these natural spaces for visit it is best to use the seasons present and future generations. as your cue for seeing particular wildlife. In March and April, head to the Hamilton Escarpment above Enjoy your visit! the Red Hill Creek to see the annual raptor migration of soaring Bald Eagles, Broad-winged Hawks, Golden Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, and many other raptors. Early April rainy nights are the best time to hear male frogs calling the females at ponds, swamps, and marshes. Songbirds sing through May and June at the peak of their breeding season. Butterflies make their mark in the summer with Dundas Valley, dragonflies and damselflies, who Hamilton Conservation Authority

View of Downtown Hamilton, Rick Cordeiro What’s Alive in Hamilton?

n the City of Hamilton there are*: United States. Trees such as I Sassafras, Tulip Tree and Eastern • 1000+ species of native plants Flowering Dogwood, and • 171 breeding species of birds wildflowers such as Tall Bellflower, • 8 species of snakes Horsebalm, and Yellow Giant • 7 species of turtles Hyssop are Carolinian species • 17 species of frogs, toads and which occur in the Hamilton area. salamanders The Giant Swallowtail Butterfly and • 43 species of mammals the Virginia Opossum are also • 100 species of butterflies species which live here in Hamilton • 98 species of dragonflies and but are more commonly damselflies associated with the Carolinas. • 87 species of fishes Migrating birds follow the shores of and Surprised? Many people do not and then fly overland to Lake realize how naturally diverse the Ontario on their way south in the City is. The City of Hamilton is fall. They follow this route back to uniquely situated at the extreme end of and at a bend their nesting sites in the spring in the Niagara Escarpment. Such a when they return from the U.S., geographically diverse location and Central and South America. At allows residents and visitors alike the head of Lake Ontario, Hamilton to see many interesting plant and is a stop-over or “staging” area for wildlife species. The City of migrating birds. We can see many Hamilton is at the northern tip of a ducks, shorebirds, raptors, and small ecological zone in Canada song birds such as colourful known as “Carolinian Canada” warblers during their migration to which encompasses the and from the south. In the winter, southernmost portion of Ontario Hamilton Harbour and the shores and occurs nowhere else in this of Lake Ontario are also home to country. many waterfowl.

Many species of plants and animals occur here because the *Source: Hamilton Natural Heritage Database 2013 summer climate approaches that Source: Fisheries Management Database 2007 of North and South Carolina in the Source: Hamilton Naturalists’ Club

Did you know that over 1500 species have These birds choose not to fly farther Bloodroot, Chris Hamilton south because they can still find food such as fish, aquatic insects, and molluscs right here in Ontario.

Natural areas are identified as Environmentally Significant Areas (ESAs) in the City of Hamilton’s Official Plan when they meet one or more of the following criteria:

u they provide an important ecological function, such as corridors for wildlife movement;

u they provide an important hydrological function, such as ground water recharge or headwater source for streams;

u they have a high diversity of species of plants or animals;

u they contain significant earth science features of geological interest;

u they contain significant vegetation communities, for example tall grass Barred Owl, Hamilton Conservation Authority prairie or oak savannah habitat;

u they support significant species of plants or animals, ranging from nationally Endangered to locally Rare species; or

u they have an educational, scientific, aesthetic or historical value to humans. Dundurn Staircase, Rick Cordeiro been recorded in the City of Hamilton? BIODIVERSITY of fish in streams. Shrubs and Biological diversity is the total trees provide windbreaks which variety of life on Earth. It includes reduce loss of topsoil and the total number of every improve commercial agricultural individual plant and animal, and yields. the degree of difference between them. The concept reflects the Fundamentally, all green plants interrelationships of genes, release oxygen which animals species and ecosystems. require for life! There may also be Because genes are the many species of bacteria, fungi, components of species, and and plants in our region and across species are the components of the planet which we do not yet ecosystems, altering the make up recognize as directly important to of any level of this web can our health and well being. For this change the others. (Reid and reason we must work to prevent Miller, 1989) the loss of species from our environment. No one knows, even to the nearest order of magnitude, how Species in communities have many life forms humanity shares unique ways of avoiding predators, the planet with: roughly 1.4 million locating food and capturing and species have been identified, but handling prey. As a result of these scientists now believe the total traits, inter-dependent number is between 10 million and relationships among species are 80 million. (Ryan, 1992) common. The consequences of an extinction or loss of natural areas Humans have historically been are unknown. For human survival most concerned with those and for the sake of the species with species that are commercially whom we share our planet, we valuable to them. Many organisms should respect and preserve all contribute to the ecosystem, parts of biological communities. allowing for the survival of those species which are commercially important to humans. For A GENE is a unit of hereditary example, the roots of many wild information (DNA). Genes are very plants secure streambeds and stable units which are passed from absorb snowmelt, guarding parent to young and they against flooding and erosion. profoundly influence every aspect of an organism. This function enhances and helps to maintain the spawning habitat

Did you know that dragonflies and damselflies form a A SPECIES is a group of individuals who are able to mate and produce fertile offspring among themselves, but are not able to do so with other groups.

An ECOSYSTEM is a community of organisms interacting with one another and the environment in which they live. A pond, a forest, a prairie or desert and the organisms that inhabit each are examples of ecosystems.

Black-Eyed Susan, Chris Hamilton Sources Reid, W.V. and Miller, K.R. 1989. Great Blue Heron, Conservation Ontario Keeping Options Alive: The Scientific Basis for Conserving Biodiversity. World Resources Institute. Washing- ton, D.C.

Ryan, J.C. 1992. Conserving Biological Diversity. In State of the World 1992. Brown, L.R. (Ed.) Worldwatch Institute. Washington. D.C.

Northern Cardinal, Conservation Ontario

Snapping Turtle, Bob Curry

“mating wheel” when they mate? Wildlife In Hamilton Birds Butterflies The Hamilton area is especially rich Butterflies are rewarding to study with bird species. A diversity of habitat because they are easy to see in the region supports 386 bird close‑up. They are numerous in species, one of the highest numbers many of southern Ontario’s for a local checklist in all of Ontario. natural areas, especially in open The highest numbers of individuals fields containing blooming and species can be seen during April wildflowers. They are pleasant to and May (spring migration) and late pursue because the best times to August and September (fall see them are also among the migration). However, you can listen most pleasant times to be out of and look for breeding birds in their doors. Most species are active peak nesting season in May and June. between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Binoculars are a must for birding, warm sunny days.

The emergence of most adult butterflies in Hamilton peaks in July though each month from spring to fall brings its own suite of species. When we see butterflies on flowers they are sipping nectar as their food.

Wood Duck, Hamilton Naturalists Club Each butterfly lays its eggs on specific plants which will become and a spotting scope is recommended the food for the caterpillar when it ‑ especially for watching waterbirds. hatches from the egg. The best birding is in the morning although birds may be seen throughout the day and early evening especially during migration periods.

Visit www.hamiltonnature.org for more information on where to see interesting birds.

Question Mark Butterfly, Bob Curry

Did you know that the has a Butterflies have very specialized diets. differences between these two You can narrow your search for a groups: Dragonfly wings sit flat specific species by knowing where to when perched and have a strong find its preferred food. sustained flight; damselfly wings are held over their backs (except Once the caterpillar has grown large spreadwings) and have a weak enough, it will produce a hard shell and fluttery flight. known as a chrysalis, and will live and develop there into an adult butterfly. Amphibians and It will emerge from the chrysalis and Reptiles search out a mate. In some cases, In contrast to birds and butterflies, butterflies live only a few days during amphibians are best seen at which they mate and lay eggs. night. Amphibians prefer to breed under the cover of darkness to Binoculars are useful for studying avoid predators. Peak times to butterflies without disturbing them. hear frogs and toads calling for Handling butterflies with your hands mates in wetlands are on warm, can cause injury to them because the humid nights from April through to wings and body are fragile. the end of June. Calls can often be heard for a long distance. Dragonflies and Damselflies Dragonflies and damselflies are brightly coloured insects which require aquatic and terrestrial habitats to fulfill their life cycle. Keep a close eye on river banks, wet meadows, and ponds Eastern Spotted Newt, Red Eft stage across the City of Hamilton for these Hamilton Naturalists’ Club insects. In the field you can easily spot Salamanders and newts may be found breeding in ponds at night during the early spring (April) or by turning over logs in moist woods at other times of year. Always be sure to replace any flipped logs so that the habitat will remain. Frogs, toads and salamanders may be seen crossing roads in great numbers White-Faced Meadowhawk, Chris Hamilton on warm rainy nights. wingspan of up to 90” and nests in Cootes Paradise? Reptiles, which include snakes and Most species move into the turtles, are often seen basking in watercourses from Hamilton warm weather at midday. Also, Harbour to spawn in suitable don’t be surprised if you see turtles habitats and then return to the crossing roads or digging holes and harbour. However, Chinook laying eggs beside the road or in Salmon, a stocked species native sandy banks near water in early to Canada’s Pacific Coast, die after June. They like to lay eggs where it spawning. is warm and sunny so that the eggs will develop quickly. Be sure to Fish can be readily observed by keep an eye out for them while you walking along streambank trails are driving so that you do not run when the flows are low and clear. them over. During high water, fish are often actively moving and are best seen where they must leap to overcome obstacles which block their passage.

Lower Spencer Creek in Dundas is a popular viewing site where trout and salmon make the journey to

Painted Turtle, their upstream spawning grounds Hamilton Conservation Authority in Spencer Creek. Other sites include Red Hill Creek at Queenston Road and King Street where Rainbow Trout and White Fish Suckers can be viewed in the Migratory “runs” of fish in the rivers spring, and Chinook Salmon in the and streams which flow into fall. Hamilton Harbour provide excellent seasonal viewing opportunities. Rainbow Trout and White Suckers can be observed during the spring months while Chinook Salmon and Brown Trout are commonly seen during the fall. Northern Pike, Bowfin, White and and Brown and Rainbow Trout Northern Pike, Hamilton Naturalists’ Club frequent the area below the Cootes Paradise fishway in late spring. These highly visible movements of fish are associated with spawning activity. Did you know that there is a butterfly Hamilton City of Hamilton Naturalists’ Club The Hamilton Naturalists’ Club Through its Official Plan policies, was founded in 1919, as the strategies, and programs, the City of Hamilton Bird Protection Society. Hamilton is responsible for Now 94 years old and with 600 protecting, enhancing, and members, it continues to foster monitoring Hamilton’s natural areas public interest in the study of and their ecological functions. Since nature and to work for 1980, the City of Hamilton (former environmental protection and the Region of Hamilton-Wentworth) has conservation of natural resources. identified and protected The Club was instrumental in Environmentally Significant Areas having the Cootes Paradise (ESAs) in its Official Plan. More wetland designated a sanctuary recently, the City of Hamilton has in 1927. Today the club is also a identified a Natural Heritage System land trust and continues to protect and developed policies to protect significant Carolinian habitats by and enhance it in its Official Plan. acquiring and caring for land. The The City also protects natural areas Club currently owns and manages through watershed studies, five nature sanctuaries. Secondary Plans, tree cutting and fill and grading by-laws, and various The club hosts monthly meetings programs such as the Natural Areas that offer a variety of speakers on Acquisition Fund and the Nature natural history. They are open to Counts biological inventory. the public from September to May. Organized walks are held The City of Hamilton maintains an throughout the year. The club, extensive network of trails and parks working with the Royal Botanical throughout the City which connect Gardens, also has a Junior and enhance Hamilton’s Natural Naturalists’ Club for children ages Heritage System and provide 7 to 12. For more information opportunities for recreation and about the Hamilton Naturalists’ physical activity. For more Club, please visit information on the City’s programs www.hamiltonnature.org and policies, please visit www.hamilton.ca

called the Question Mark? Hamilton Waterfront Conservation Regeneration Trust

Authority The Lake Ontario is The Hamilton Conservation a project of the Waterfront Authority works to ensure streams Regeneration Trust and stretches and communities are healthy, and from Trenton in eastern Ontario to in balance with the needs of the the mouth of the . The natural environment now and in the Burlington-Hamilton component of future. the trail features walks along sandy beaches, through green, well-treed Founded over 50 years ago, the parks, and past historic beach-front Hamilton Conservation Authority homes. has grown from a watershed management agency to include The Waterfront Trail has been an activities such as flood forecasting, instrumental part of the Great Lakes land acquisition, watershed regeneration. Along it you will find a stewardship, land planning, 1400 km. celebration of nature and ecological monitoring, and culture where peaceful countryside, conservation. small towns, and big cities are linked to provide the province’s residents The Dundas Valley, one of the and visitors with a rewarding region’s most outstanding experience of our Great Lakes. examples of the biological zone known as Carolinian Canada (see The Trust has produced a book biodiversity), is home to over (available in local bookstores) that 1000 species of flora and fauna. outlines the entire length of the trail, known as A Guidebook to the Natural lands, like the Christie Lake Waterfront Trail: Explore Yesterday, and Valens Lake Conservation Today and Tomorrow along the Areas, are developed around water Shores of Lake Ontario. For more management reservoirs, and information on the Lake Ontario combine recreational activities with Waterfront Trail and other activities habitat preservation.For more ‑ of the Waterfront Regeneration information call (905) 525 2181 or Trust, please contact them at visit www.conservationhamilton.ca. (416) 943-8080 or www.waterfronttrail.org. Conservation Royal Botanical Halton Gardens

Much of Conservation Halton’s The Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) efforts are focused on protecting is the largest botanical garden in the natural environment. This Canada, a National Historic Site, includes water management and is a registered charitable programs, source water protection, organization that brings together and forest management. We focus people, plants and nature. on the health and diversity of the forest ecosystem with restoration In addition to its many stunning and tree planting programs. Our horticultural displays, the Royal engineering and planning services Botanical Gardens manages 900 help ensure that environmental hectares of natural lands at the planning is an integral part of western end of Lake Ontario. These community development. form a Nodal Park within the Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Watershed health is also enhanced Reserve (UNESCO). With more than through our participation in the 750 native plant species, 227 types Hamilton Harbour Remedial Action of migratory birds, 36 mammal Plan and Burlington Bay restoration species, 14 reptile species, 9 efforts. amphibians, and 68 species of Lake Ontario fish, the area is an important Conservation Halton encourages contributor to ecosystems that span private landowners to protect international borders. natural areas on their properties. This is done through the Hamilton- For more information about visiting Halton Watershed Stewardship the Royal Botanical Gardens, or any Program. of our events, please visit our webpage at www.rbg.ca or call For more information on 905-527-1158. Conservation Areas and special events, please visit www.conservationhalton.ca Hotspot Checklist SITE LOCATION

1 Valens Lake C. A. P P P P P P P 2 Beverly Swamp P P P P P P 3 Rockton and Hyde Tracts P P P P 4 Christie Lake C.A. P P P P P P 5 Spencer Gorge C.A. P P P P 6 Dundas Valley C. A. P P P P P P P P 7 C. A. P P P P P 8 Rock Chapel/Borer’s Falls P P P P P P P P 9 Cootes Paradise P P P P P P P P P 10 Sam Lawrence Park P P P 11 Bayfront Park & Hamilton Harbour P P P P P Waterfront Trail 12 Burlington Heights P P P P P

13 Grindstone Creek/Carrol’s P P P P P P P Bay/Hendrie Valley

14 Hidden Valley Park P P P P P P 15 Smokey Hollow P P P P P P P 16 Mount Nemo C. A. P P P P P P P 17 LaSalle Park P P P P 18 Northeast Shoreline Island P P P 19 Fifty Point C. A. P P P P P P

Did you know that certain forest wildflowers bloom before the trees produced SITE LOCATION

20 Eramosa Karst C. A. P P P P P P P 21 Fletcher Creek E. P. P P P P 22 Windermere Basin P P P 23 Van Wagner’s Ponds P P P P 24 Confederation Park P P P 25 King’s Forest/Red Hill Valley P P P P P P 26 Albion/Buttermilk Falls P P P P 27 Felker’s Falls C. A. P P P P P 28 Devil’s Punch Bowl C. A. P P P P 29 Beamer Memorial C. A. P P P P P P P P P P P 30 Binbrook Reservoir

Significant Vegetation Community

Birds

Butterflies

Odonates (Dragonflies & Damselflies)

Amphibians and Reptiles

Fish (Migration runs and/or recreational fishing)

Lookout

Hiking

Bruce Trail Access their leaves to capitalize on light availability? These are called spring ephemerals. Best Practices: A Trail User’s Code Hike only along marked routes. Do not take short cuts.

Do not climb fences - use the ladders.

Leave trails cleaner than you found them. Carry out all litter.

Leave flowers and plants for others to enjoy.

Do not damage live trees or strip off bark.

Keep dogs on a leash and under control at all times.

Clean up after your animals.

Do not disturb wildlife.

Stay to the right and allow others to pass you on the left.

Respect neighbouring landowners and stay off private property.

Leave only your thanks and take nothing but photographs.

No open fires.

Camp only at designated camp sites.

For information relating to local hiking spots across the City of Hamilton please visit the following websites:

City of Hamilton: www.hamilton.ca Hamilton Conservation Authority: www.conservationhamilton.ca Conservation Halton: www.conservationhalton.on.ca City of Burlington: www.burlington.ca Association: www.brucetrail.org Royal Botanical Gardens: www.rbg.ca

Did you know that Beverly Swamp is one of the largest remaining tracts of 1. Valens Lake Conservation Area

Access Valens Road and Regional Road 97.

Time of Year Spring/Summer/Fall late August-mid September.

Flora and Fauna • Migrating ducks and shorebirds (Spring). • Common Moorhen, Cliff Swallows, Least Bitterns, Leopard Frogs (Spring/Summer) • American Wigeon, Redhead, Ring-neck Ducks; Common and Hooded Mergansers. • Fish for and Northern Pike in the reservoir. • The tall observation tower gives nice panoramic views of the countryside and is good for viewing raptors.

2. Beverly Swamp

Access On Safari Road, about 9 km. west of Hwy. #6. Parking spot on north side.

Time of Year April to July; Fall

Flora and Fauna • Breeding birds—Northern Waterthrush, White-throated Sparrow, Broad-winged Hawk, butterflies, Spring Peeper frogs. • Red-headed, Red-bellied and Pileated Woodpeckers, Red-shouldered Hawk and Northern Goshawk • Open grassland areas of the Beverly Swamp are good spots to see Eastern Bluebirds, Eastern Meadowlarks, and Horned Larks. • Fall colours of the Silver Maple swamp forests. intact, lowland swamp forest in Southern Ontario? It encompasses 2324 hectares!

3. Rockton and Hyde Tracks

Access From Peter’s Corners (Hwy. #5 & #8), follow Hwy. #8 past Rockton, north on Regional Road 552, 2.5 km., entrance to Agreement Forest on east side of road, park on shoulder.

Time of Year May to July

Flora and Fauna • Breeding birds—Golden-winged, Blue-winged, Mourning and Pine warblers, Upland Sandpiper • Sedges, wood ferns, trilliums, violets, asters and goldenrods • Shadow Darners, Eastern Amberwing, and Eastern Forktail odonates, • Giant Swallowtail, Silver-bordered Fritillary, Indian Skipper butterflies

4. Christie Lake Conservation Area

Access 1000 Hwy. #5 West, Dundas. 9.5 km. west of Hwy. #6.

Time of Year All Year

Flora and Fauna • Waterfowl and shorebirds (on mudflats) (Spring). • Upland areas are good for Ruffed-grouse, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and Chestnut-sided Warbler. • Wilson’s Snipe , Hermit Thrush, and owls (Winter) • Fishing available here; 21 species have been recorded since 1990. • Snapping Turtles. 5. Spencer Gorge/Tews Falls/Webster’s Falls

Access Through Dundas on Hwy. #8 (King St) right at Greensville onto Harvest Road.

Time of Year Spring to Fall

Flora and Fauna • Oak woodland, a rare ecosystem is located along the Bruce Trail on the way to the Dundas Peak. • Yellow-rumped Warbler, Turkey Vultures, Eastern Wood-pewee, and Carolina Wren have been observed. • Spring ephemerals are in bloom in the Sugar Maple forests (April/May).

6. Dundas Valley Conservation Area

Access Governor’s Road. (Hwy. #99). Follow #99 from Dundas. This Conservation Area is on the south side of the road.

Time of Year All year

Flora and Fauna • Wildflowers and migrant birds along all trails. Salamanders under logs and breeding in ponds (Spring). • Nesting Carolinian birds (eg. Hooded Warbler, Orchard Oriole, Louisiana Waterthrush). • Butterflies in old fields (Summer). • Overwintering land birds and hawks (Winter). • Virginia Opossum, Southern Flying Squirrel, Big Brown, Little Brown and Hoary Bats (Summer) 7. Tiffany Falls

Access Parking lot off Hwy. #2 halfway up the escarpment between Hamilton and Ancaster. Follow the Bruce Trail towards Highway #403.

Time of Year All year

Flora and Fauna • Black-throated Green Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Carolina Wren, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Wood Thrush. Eastern Garter, Red-belly and Ringneck snakes (Spring). • Wild Ginger, Blue Cohosh, White and Red Baneberry, Blood root, Zigzag and Blue-stem Goldenrod in the understory of the Sugar Maple forest (Spring/Summer). • Look for odonates along the creeks east of Tiffany Falls.

8. Rock Chapel/Borer’s Falls

Access Paid parking for non-members of the RBG. Rock Chapel Road from Valley Road.

Time of Year Spring to Fall

Flora and Fauna • A large variety of butterflies occur in open fields especially where milkweed plants grow. Notable butterfly to look for is the Giant Swallowtail. • Bloodroot, trilliums, Sharp-lobed Hepatica, Early Saxifrage (Spring). • Wood Thrush, Indigo Bunting, flycatchers (Spring). • Serviceberry blooms (Spring). • Fall colours of the Sugar Maple forest; asters and goldenrods (Fall), variety of moss species (Spring to Fall)

Did you know that the Fishway in Cootes marsh 9. Cootes Paradise

Access Paid parking for non-members of the RBG. South shore of this large wildlife sanctuary can be entered from Princess Point off Longwood Road. North Shore of Cootes Paradise Trail access: 1. York Rd 2. Arboretum off Old Guelph Rd Time of Year May to October Flora and Fauna • Migrating songbirds throughout woods (Spring). • Migrating shorebirds on mudflats, loafing gulls (Summer/Fall) • Migrating waterfowl (Spring/Fall). • Black-crowned Night-heron; Green and Great Blue Herons; Double-crested Cormorants; Tree, Bank, Rough-winged and Barn Swallows feed commonly over West Pond and Cootes Paradise (Summer) • Check logs for basking turtles (Spring/Summer). • Bald Eagle nest off the Marsh Walk Trail • In open fields look for butterflies. • Look for snakes along paths near fields. • Fishway - Many species of fish (May to August). • Deep ravines with Carolinian forests. 10. Sam Lawrence Park

Access Parking lot at the top of the Jolly Cut, on Concession Street between East 12th and East 13th streets. Time of Year Spring/Fall Flora and Fauna • Migratory birds in the spring and fall. • Bruce Trail access to hike along the Niagara Escarpment. moves over 12,000 fish in and out every year? 11. Bayfront Park & Hamilton Harbour Waterfront Trail

Access Parking at Princess Point off Macklin Street North (RBG parking fees apply) and Bayfront Park off Harbour Front Drive. Bayfront Park, Rick Cordeiro Time of Year All Year

Flora and Fauna • Fish in Hamilton Harbour for catfish, bass and salmon. • Migrating waterfowl in spring and fall. • Beaver have been known to harvest poplars from the banks alongside the Harbour Waterfront Trail. • Turtles bask on logs in the water in early spring.

12. Burlington Heights

Access Limited roadside parking available off . Paid parking at the RBG Rock Garden parking lot.

Time of Year Spring/Fall

Flora and Fauna • Migrating waterfowl, swans, occasional Bald Eagle, Osprey. • Migrating songbirds along treed slopes. • Tallgrass prairie ecosystem along stretches of York Boulevard. • Best views of Hamilton Harbour and Cootes Paradise. • Beautiful sunsets.

Did you know that the first European to arrive in the Hamilton Harbour 13. Grindstone Creek/Carrol’s Bay/Hendrie Valley

Access Turn into the RBG’s Cherry Hill Gate parking lot off Plains Road West. This is a paid parking lot for non-members of the RBG; free for RBG members.

Time of Year All Year

Flora and Fauna • Trilliums, Cut-leaved Toothwort, Spring Beauty (Spring) • Basking painted and map turtles on logs (Spring/Summer) • Migrating waterfowl and shorebirds (Spring/Fall) • Leopard frogs often heard calling from ponds in the valley (Summer) • Salmon and trout migration in creek (Sept/Oct), Pike and Bowfin spawning (Spring) • Beavers, migrating shorebirds and waterfowl (Fall) • Black-crowned, Green and Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets (Fall) • Woodpeckers (Winter)

14. Hidden Valley Park

Access Howard Street north of Plains Road to Lemonville Road/Hidden Valley Road.

Time of Year Spring/Fall

Flora and Fauna • Rainbow Trout, White Sucker, Chinook Salmon. • Leopard and Green Frogs (Spring/Summer)

was Rene-Robert Cavelier de la Salle on September 18, 1669? 15. Smokey Hollow

Access Waterdown Road south of Hwy. #5.

Time of Year Spring to Fall

Flora and Fauna • Rainbow Trout, Chinook Salmon (Spring/Fall) • Migrant warblers. Wildflowers (Spring/Summer) • Eastern White Cedars and Sugar Maple forests along Grindstone Creek.

16. Mt. Nemo

Access Off Guelph Line at Colling Road, North of Hwy. #5.

Time of Year Spring to Fall

Flora and Fauna • Wildflowers, Trilliums, Bloodroot, Eastern White Cedars • Eastern Pipistrelle Bats flying over the cracks and caves in the escarpment limestone. • Peregrine Falcons, soaring Turkey Vultures and Hooded Warblers.

Did you know that there are 145 17. LaSalle Park

Access Very south end of LaSalle Park Road. Parking also available off North Shore Boulevard East.

Time of Year All Year

Flora and Fauna • Waterfowl; resting/feeding common terns. • Pine warblers in pines • Migrant warblers and other passerine birds (Spring/Fall)

18. Northeast Shoreline Island

Access Park at Beachway Park on in Burlington.

Time of Year Spring/Summer

Flora and Fauna • Waterfowl (All Year) • Common and Caspian Terns, Cormorants, gulls, waterfowl.

waterfalls within the City of Hamilton?! 19. Fifty Point Conservation Area

Access Off Baseline Road at Fifty Road and North Service Road, Winona. Time of Year Spring/Fall Flora and Fauna • Great Horned Owl, Magnolia Warbler, Orchard Oriole, Purple Martin (Spring), Barn Swallow, Bobolink, Belted Kingfisher, Green Heron, Red-headed Woodpecker (Summer), Least Sandpiper, Tennesee Warbler, Wood Duck (Fall) • Spring Azure (Spring), Common Sootywing, Giant Swallowtail, Question Mark, Dun Skipper, American Lady, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Summer), Monarch (Fall) • Common Green Darner and Taiga Bluet (Spring). Eastern Amberwing, Black Saddlebags, Widow Skimmer, Blue Dasher, Calico Pennant, Stream Bluet (Summer). White-faced Meadowhawk dragonfly (Fall).

20. Eramosa Karst Conservation Area

Access Parking available off Upper Mt. Albion Road, between Rymal Road East and Highland Road West. Parking fees apply. Time of Year Spring/Fall Flora and Fauna • Karst topography throughout – Sink holes, caves, sinking streams, soil pipes, and dry valleys. • White and Red Baneberry, Yellow Trout-lily, Wild Geranium, Mayapple, Bloodroot, Canada, Downy Violet, Large-leaved Aster and Jack-in-the-pulpit (Spring). • Tree Swallow, Killdeer, Northern Flicker, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and Song Sparrow (Spring), Savannah Sparrow, Willow Flycatcher, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Barn Swallow birds (Summer) • Little Wood-Satyr and Red Admiral butterflies (Summer). • Common Whitetail and Eastern Forktail dragonflies (Summer). • Fall forest colours, New England Aster and goldenrods in the meadows.

Did you know that Wood Frogs are Explosive Breeders? Males may 21. Fletcher Creek Ecological Preserve

Access Parking lot Off 7th Concession between Gore Road and rail line.

Time of Year Spring/Fall

Flora and Fauna • Rare fen wetland habitat is ideal for viewing unique wildlife and plants such as orchids, round-leaved sundew, Labrador-tea, and Pitcher-plant. • Red-bellied, Garter, Brown, Eastern Milk, Smooth Green, Northern Water, and Ribbon Snakes; Bullfrog, Gray Treefrog, Northern Leopard, Western Chorus, Pickerel, Spring Peeper, and Green Frogs; Snapping and Painted Turtles (Spring). • Barn Swallow, Warbling Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Wood Thrush and Scarlet Tanager (Summer). • Fall colours in the forests and swamps.

22. Windermere Basin

Access Approximately 2 km. east of Toll Gate Ponds on Eastport Drive.

Time of Year Spring/Fall/Winter

Flora and Fauna • Common Tern colony (Spring) • Migrating shorebirds (Fall) • Overwintering waterfowl eg. scaup spp.; Snowy Owls (Winter)

call for only a few nights and most breeding is done in one evening. 23. Van Wagner’s Ponds

Access Van Wagner’s Beach Road, opposite beach and parking lot for “Hutch’s” restaurant.

Time of Year Summer

Flora and Fauna • Caspian, and Common Terns and Black-crowned Night-herons feed here June-August. • Common Moorhen, gadwall, sandpipers, ducks, and Green Herons have been observed here. • Abandoned railway embankment serves as trail; in June, turtles nest here.

24. Confederation Park

Access Down Van Wagner’s Beach Road on the east side of the Skyway Bridge. Take the pedestrian bridge from the Red Hill Valley over QEW, or drive to Van Wagner’s Beach Road from Beach Boulevard. Access off QEW from Eastport Drive.

Time of Year Spring to Fall

Flora and Fauna • Waterfowl and passerine migration in the spring and fall. 25. King’s Forest/Red Hill Valley

Access Mud Street and Mt. Albion Road, 4 km. west of Hwy. #20. From Hamilton, follow Mohawk Road to its extreme eastern end, where it becomes Mud Street along the escarpment edge. Parking lot is on the left.

Time of Year Winter/Summer

Flora and Fauna • Cooper’s Hawks, finches, migrating birds (Winter) • Purple Cress, Smooth rock Cress, Dutchman’s Breeches, Squirrel Corn, Broadleaf Waterleaf, Red-backed Salamanders, butterflies, Chinook salmon (Summer).

26. /Buttermilk Falls

Access Mud Street and Mt. Albion Road, 4km. west of Hwy. #20. From Hamilton, follow Mohawk Road to its extreme eastern end, where it becomes Mud Street along the escarpment edge. Parking lot is on the left.

Time of Year Spring/Fall

Flora and Fauna • Niagara Escarpment views of the Red Hill Valley with Sugar Maple forests, meadows, and thickets. • Turkey Vultures circling the escarpment (Spring/Fall). 27. Felker’s Falls

Access From Stoney Creek follow Mud Street west to Paramount Drive to Ackland Street. A parking lot is on the right-hand side.

Time of Year Spring to Fall

Flora and Fauna • Sugar Maple forests that offer views of Downtown Hamilton. • Wild Columbine, Wild Sarsaparilla, asters, Bulblet Fern, and Purple Trilliums in the ground layer of the table land and forested talus. View from Felker’s Falls, Jaime Overy

28. Devil’s Punch Bowl

Access On Ridge Road 1km. east of Hwy. #20. Parking available on Conservation lands.

Time of Year Spring to Fall

Flora and Fauna • Sugar Maple, Hemlock forests (Spring to Fall) • Bird migration (Spring/Fall) • Wild Ginger, Spotted Jewelweed, Blue Cohosh, and Goldie’s Wood Fern in the understory of the forest. • Chimney Swifts, Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark in the fields above the escarpment. 29. Beamer Memorial Conservation Area

Access QEW Niagara east to Christie Street exit. Follow Christie Street south through Grimsby, up the escarpment. Turn at first right (Ridge Road), and follow the signs to the Conservation Area on Quarry Road.

Time of Year March-Early May

Flora and Fauna • Migrating hawks, falcons, vultures, eagles. The best days to view these birds are with south-east winds and sunny between March and May. • Trails along the escarpment.

30. Binbrook Reservoir

Access Highway #20 in Stoney Creek south to Highway #56. Turn right onto Kirk Road. Turn left onto Harrison Road.

Time of Year Summer to Winter.

Flora and Fauna • Waterfowl, shorebirds, Osprey have been sighted. • Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Belted Kingfisher, Eastern Screech Owl, Great Horned Owl, and Tree Swallows have been observed. The reservoir provides excellent habitat for aquatic fauna such as frogs and turtles. Fish sanctuary - catch and release policy. • Ice fishing available in the winter. Observations Take a minute to write down your observations at any of the Hamilton Hot Spots! Local Environmental Organizations

Hamilton-Halton Watershed Stewardship Program 838 Mineral Spring Rd, Ancaster, Ontario L9G 4X1 www.hamiltonhaltonstewardship.ca

Hamilton Naturalists’ Club P. O. Box 89052, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4R5 www.hamiltonnature.org

Bay Area Restoration Council (BARC) B130F-Life Sciences Building, McMaster University 1280 Main Street W, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1 905-527-7111 www.hamiltonharbour.ca

Environment Hamilton 22 Wilson Street, Suite 4, Hamilton, Ontario L8R 1C5 905-549-0900 [email protected]

McMaster Public Interest Research Group MUSC 229, McMaster University 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4S4 905-525-9140 ext. 27289 www.opirg.ca

Green Venture 22 Veevers Drive, Hamilton, ON L8K 5P5 Phone: 905-540-8787 Fax: 905-540-8882 Web site: www.greenventure.on.ca

This booklet is generously supported by:

Layout and design: Hamilton Conservation Authority Pick-up Locations and Information Hamilton Conservation Authority Conservation Halton Administration Office Administration Office 838 Mineral Springs Road 2596 Brittania Road West Ancaster, On Burlington, On 905-525-2181 905-336-1158

Dundas Valley Conservation Mountsberg Visitor Centre Area 2259 Millburough Line 650 Governors Road Campbellville, On Dundas, On 905-854-4358 905-627-1233 Royal Botanical Gardens Valens Conservation Area 680 Plains Road West 1691 Regional Road 97 (RR#6) Burlington, On Flamborough, On 905-527-1158 905-525-2183 or 519-621-6029 Confederation Park 71 Main Street West 585 Van Wagners Beach Road Hamilton, On Hamilton, On 905-546-2424 905-547-6141 The Bruce Trail Conservancy Christie Lake Conservation Area Rasberry House 1000 Highway #5 West Arboretum Section, Dundas, Ontario Royal Botanical Gardens 905-628-3060 Old Guelph Road Dundas, On 905-529-6821

This booklet is generously sponsored by: